Firefighters deactivate bomb found in garage

Fire closes Aunt Emma's;
restaurant vows return

CHULA VISTA: A kitchen fire early yesterday prompted a temporary closure of Aunt Emma's Pancake Restaurant in Chula Vista, but it will reopen soon and celebrate its 50th anniversary this fall, the owner said.

The blaze about 4:50 a.m. caused roughly $20,000 damage to the restaurant on E Street near Woodlawn Avenue, said its owner, Nick Gelastopoulos.

A delivery person called 911 after arriving at the business and seeing smoke and hearing a fire alarm, a fire dispatcher said. Firefighters extinguished the blaze 20 minutes later.

The Chula Vista Fire Department was investigating the cause of the blaze. Gelastopoulos said it was apparently sparked by a gas leak and was largely doused by an automatic fire-suppression system that dropped powder onto the flames.

The fire damaged several ovens in the kitchen, and firefighters shattered a side door when responding, Gelastopoulos said. The dining area was not damaged.

The restaurant is the last of a chain of restaurants that once included eateries in El Cajon, in San Diego's College Area and in Escondido, Gelastopoulos said. It will celebrate its 50th anniversary, probably on Oct. 15, he added, with a 50-cent breakfast menu and coffee for a nickel.

–M.A.

Eye surgeon is sentenced
in beating of ex-girlfriend

SAN DIEGO COURTS: A La Jolla eye surgeon convicted of battery and passing a false prescription, both misdemeanors, was placed on three years' probation yesterday and ordered to complete domestic violence counseling.

Dr. Manoj Motwani, 40, founder of Alpha Laser Center, pleaded guilty last month. The battery charge stemmed from a 2007 incident involving his then-girlfriend while driving on a freeway in Bay Park.

San Diego Superior Court Judge Kathleen Lewis ordered Motwani to abstain from drinking alcohol while on probation, among other restrictions, and ordered him to pay $8,000 to a nonprofit organization or shelter that deals with victims of domestic violence.

He'll also have to pay restitution to the victim in an amount to be determined, the judge said.

The California Highway Patrol investigated allegations that Motwani beat up his girlfriend on Oct. 28, 2007, during an altercation on Interstate 5 near Clairemont Drive. She was treated for cuts and a bloody nose.

The investigation led to accusations that Motwani had prescribed himself an antidepressant under a false name, authorities said.

Prosecutors accused Dr. James Rice, a La Jolla psychotherapist, of writing prescriptions intended for Motwani under a false patient name. Rice pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor last year and was ordered into a diversion program.

Motwani said outside the courtroom yesterday that his medical license has not been affected by the court case and that his practice is busy. –D.L.